The following is a list of all birds known to have occurred in Waltham. It is done to the best of my knowledge. There are probably plenty of records that I am unaware of, any details of those would be appreciated. The list currently stands at 196 species confirmed, 3 more occurring historically, and 35 being hypothetical. Of those, 40 have been confirmed as breeding and an additional 37 are likely to be.
Records are mostly personal. Some sightings are taken from personal communications, Massbird and ArlingtonBirds posts, Bird Observer (from April 1994 on more or less) and from Birds of Massachusetts.
Last updated: Tue, 4 Mar 2008 21:45:09
Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Canada Goose (CB)
Regular year-round. Most birds are probably resident, although migrants definitely do occur. Of particular interest was a small goose that spent November and December of 2004 on Lyman Pond and nearby fields. I initially identified it as a Cackling Goose, but various experts could not come to a conclusion. Opinions were mostly divided between taverneri Cackling Goose and parivpes Canada Goose.
Mute Swan (CB)
Regular most of the year. Breeds on Hardy Pond and probably elsewhere. May leave in coldest parts of winter when most water is frozen, although some probably stay on the Charles River. Maximum: 9 (11/28/2006).
Wood Duck (CB)
Year-round resident although less common when water is frozen. Almost always findable along the Charles and near Lyman Pond. Breeding confirmed along the Charles, likely at Lyman Pond and Hardy Pond and probably elsewhere as well. Maximum: 25 (10/23/2006, Lyman Pond). Winter maximum: 9 (Chapel Hill School, 12/16/2001).
Gadwall
Probably a regular migrant in low numbers.
Records of Note
3 on 11/10/2004 at Hardy Pond
1 on 11/30/2002 at Charles River
3 on 3/23/1997 (D. Oliver)
34 on 1/12/2000 (M. Rines)
2 on 3/18/2006 at Hardy Pond
Eurasian Wigeon
Vagrant, one known record.
Records of Note
1 on 10/2003 at Cambridge Reservoir (M. Rines + v.o.)
American Wigeon
Regular migrant. Most common at Hardy Pond and the Cambridge Reservoir. Possibly overwinters in years where water remains open. Maximum 40 (10/12/2003, Hardy Pond). Late Date: 12/16/2001 (Hardy Pond). Early Date: 2/2/2006 (Hardy Pond)
American Black Duck
Regular migrant and winter visitor. Found at most water. Maximum: 10, several times.
Mallard (CB)
Year-round resident. Can be found almost anywhere.
Northern Shoveler
Rare migrant, although probably regular.
Records of Note
1 on 12/30/2005 at Charles River
1 on 3/25/2005 at Hardy Pond
4 on 11/10/1998 (C. Cook)
7 on 11/7/1997 (R. Stymeist)
1 on 3/25/2006 at Hardy Pond
Northern Pintail
Presumed regular migrant, although has not been found often.
Records of Note
1 on 3/10/2004 at Hardy Pond
2 on 10/27/2006 at Hardy Pond
Green-winged Teal
Regular fall and spring migrant on Hardy Pond, lingers until ponds freeze in fall. One record from the Charles River after a freeze in 2005. Maximum: 35 (12/20/1998, Hardy Pond).
Records of Note
4 on 12/10/2005 at Charles River
4 on 10/23/2005 at Hardy Pond
2 on 4/29/2000 at Hardy Pond
1 on 1/21/2007 at Charles River
Canvasback
Rare fall migrant. Probably rare in spring as well.
Records of Note
1 on 1/1/2000 at Cambridge Reservoir
1 on 12/20/1998 at Chesterbrook (D. + D. Oliver/J. Forbes/B. Howell)
6 on 10/29/1995 (F. Bouchard)
Redhead
Very rare migrant. Up to 12 at a time between November 27 and December 17, 2005 (J. Hines, J. Dean, myself) which apparently were seen off and on until at least March 2006.
Ring-necked Duck
Regular migrant at many bodies of water and common in winter along the Charles River. Spring maximum: 300+ (3/19/2006, Cambridge Reservoir, J. Hines). Fall maximum: 22 (11/24/2000, Hardy Pond). Winter maximum: 28 (2/2008, Charles River). Early Date: 8/18/1996 (R. Forster).
Greater Scaup
Probably a regular migrant in spring and possibly fall on the Cambridge Reservoir.
Records of Note
2 on 4/29/2000 at Cambridge Reservoir
5 on 11/23/1995 (M. Pelikan)
1 on 4/1/2006 at Cambridge Reservoir
Lesser Scaup
Probably regular spring and fall migrant on the Cambridge Reservoir. Fall records from October to December. Spring record from February to April. Maximum: 9 scaup sp (12/13/2005, J. Hines).
Records of Note
1 on 2/1/1998 at Cambridge Reservoir
1 on 12/25/2004 at Charles River
1 on 10/13/2003 at Cambridge Reservoir (M. Rines)
1 on 11/23/1995 (M. Pelikan)
1 on 12/15/2005 at Cambridge Reservoir (J. Hines)
4 on 3/29/2006 at Cambridge Reservoir (J. Hines)
Surf Scoter
Rare but regular migrant on the Cambridge Reservoir.
Records of Note
3 on 11/1/2000 at Cambridge Reservoir (M. Rines)
White-winged Scoter
Rare but regular migrant on the Cambridge Reservoir. Probably the most regular of the sea ducks.
Records of Note
60 on 5/24/2005 at Cambridge Reservoir (J. Hines)
Black Scoter
Rare bur regular migrant on the Cambridge Reservoir.
Records of Note
51 on Cambridge Reservoir at 10/25/1998 (D. + D. Oliver)
8 on Cambridge Reservoir at 10/30/2000 (M. Rines)
Long-tailed Duck
Rare bur regular migrant on the Cambridge Reservoir.
Records of Note
1 on 11/4/1995 at Cambridge Reservoir (R. Forster)
Bufflehead
Regular migrant on the Cambridge Reservoir and at Hardy Pond. Occasional on the Charles River.
Records of Note
9 on 3/10/2002 at Cambridge Reservoir
1 on 1/4/2001 at Charles River
1 on 11/1/1998 at Charles River
Common Goldeneye
Regular migrant on the Cambridge Reservoir and Hardy Pond. Also regular in small numbers (1-4 on average) in winter along the Charles River.
Hooded Merganser
Common migrant and winter resident. Maximum: 25 (11/24/2000, Cambridge Reservoir). Late date: 6/20/1999 (D. Oliver)
Red-breasted Merganser
Very rare migrant.
Records of Note
1 on 1/29/2005 at Charles River
1 on 11/27/2005 at Cambridge Reservoir (J. Hines)
Common Merganser
Very common migrant and winter visitor. Maximum 125 (11/24/2000, Cambridge Reservoir)
Ruddy Duck
Common migrant, especially at the Cambridge Reservoir and at Hardy Pond. Possible winter visitor (more likely very late migrant). Maximum: 98 (11/24/2001, Cambridge Reservoir).
Records of Note
4 on 1/1/2000 at Cambridge Reservoir
3 on 1/3/1994 (R. Forster)
Pheasants
Ring-necked Pheasant
Very rare. Records are likely to be of escaped birds.
Records of Note
1 on 10/20/2006 at MacArthur School
Grouse
Ruffed Grouse
Irregular visitor or very rare resident.
Records of Note
1 on 4/18/1997 (M. Patridge)
Turkeys
Wild Turkey (CB)
Infrequent but regular. Several records from Leitha Dr, although no dates. Several family groups were seen wandering around the Belmont portion of Beaver Brook in 2007, and based on earlier sightings along Forest St. and Trapelo Rd. I’m assuming they were from Met State.
Records of Note
1 on 4/17/2006 at Prospect Hill
Loons
Common Loon
Regular migrant in spring and fall at the Cambridge Reservoir.
Records of Note
1 on 10/24/2004 at Cambridge Reservoir
1 on 4/14/1999 at Cambridge Reservoir (M. Rines)
1 on 12/11?/2005 at Cambridge Reservoir (J. Hines)
1 on 11/8/1998 at Cambridge Reservoir (M. Rines)
3 on 5/24/2005 at Cambridge Reservoir (J. Hines)
1 on 5/13/2006 at Cambridge Reservoir (J. Hines)
Grebes
Pied-billed Grebe
Regular in spring and fall. Personal records from Hardy Pond and the Cambridge Reservoir in March, April, and November.
Horned Grebe
Rare but regular migrant in spring and fall at the Cambridge Reservoir.
Records of Note
2 on 11/1/1998 at Cambridge Reservoir
1 on 11/26/2005 at Cambridge Reservoir (J. Hines)
8 on 10/29/1995 at Cambridge Reservoir (F. Bouchard)
1 on 3/29/2006 at Cambridge Reservoir (H. Hines)
Red-necked Grebe
Rare but regular migrant in spring and fall at the Cambridge Reservoir.
Records of Note
1 on 10/30/1999 at Cambridge Reservoir (M. Rines)
1 on 11/4/1995 at Cambridge Reservoir (R. Forster)
Cormorants
Double-crested Cormorant
Regular spring-fall at almost any water. Summer birds are mostly immatures. Maximum: 20 (5/18/2000, Charles River).
Great Cormorant
Irregular fall migrant and very rare in winter.
Records of Note
1 on 11/24/2001 at Cambridge Reservoir
6 on 2/5/2005 at Charles River
2 on 1/7/2006 at Charles River
Herons and Egrets
Great Blue Heron (PB)
Regular year-round. Found at almost any body of water spring-fall and along the Charles in winter. Winter maximum: 10 (12/17/2006, over 4 locations).
Great Egret
Very rare migrant.
Records of Note
1 on 7/23/2000 at Hardy Pond
1 on 4/8/2001 at Hardy Pond (M. Rines/M. + A. Forbes)
2 on 4/17/2004 at flying over Prospect Hill (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
Cattle Egret
Rare visitor at best.
Records of Note
1 on 11/4/1995 (W. Peterson)
Green Heron (CB)
Regular in summer. Mostly seen in flight and at Lyman Pond. Maximum: 4.
Black-crowned Night-Heron
Regular summer visitor. Mostly found along the Charles (maximum 4, 7/10/2001) but has also been found at Hardy Pond, Lyman Pond, and the Lot 1 pond. Late date: 11/6/2006 (Hardy Pond)
Vultures
Turkey Vulture
Regular spring-fall, although records exist for almost the entire year. Maximum: 7 (3/14/2006).
Osprey
Osprey
Probably a regular migrant and irregular summer visitor.
Records of Note
2 on 7/8/1996 at yard
1 on 8/20/2000 at 128
1 on 5/10/2006 at Hardy Pond
1 on 11/2/2006 at Hardy Pond
Hawks
Bald Eagle
Rare but regular winter visitor. Records exist from 10/29 to 3/24 at Cambridge Res, along the Charles, and at Hardy Pond.
Northern Harrier
Probably a regular migrant in fall and possibly spring. One known record: Fall 1995 at Umass Fields (O. Plimpton, see Bird Observer 24:259-260).
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Regular migrant and winter visitor. Possible just about anywhere.
Cooper’s Hawk (PB)
Regular migrant and winter visitor. Possible just about anywhere. Has started to outnumber Sharp-shinned in recent years.
Northern Goshawk
Probably very irregular visitor. More known from Lincoln and other surrounding towns.
Records of Note
1 on 11/27/1997 (C. Ralph)
Broad-winged Hawk
Likely a regular migrant and unlikely summer resident at Prospect Hill.
Records of Note
1 on 2003? at Prospect Hill (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
Red-tailed Hawk (CB)
Regular year-round almost anywhere. Maximum 3 together. Breeds between high school and YMCA and somewhere around Waverly Oaks Rd (Fernald? Cedar Hill?)
Falcons
American Kestrel
Regular in winter and migration. Recorded from a variety of sites, always single birds. Has become very rare in recent years.
Merlin
Records from September-March. Probably regular if rare in migration as well.
Records of Note
1 on 12/20/1998 at Hardy Pond
1 on 11/10/2004 at Hardy Pond
1 on 12/16/2001 at Gore Estate
1 on 1/21/1998 (C. Ralph)
1 on 3/19/2006 at Charles River
1 on 9/28/2006 at Met State
Peregrine Falcon
Presumed to be a fairly regular migrant and possible winter visitor.
Records of Note
1 on 8/27/1997 (C. Ralph)
1 on 4/21/1995 (C. Ralph)
1 on 11/7/1997 (R. Stymeist)
1 on 4/22/2006 at Prospect Hill
Rails
Virginia Rail
Likely a rare migrant and possibly a summer resident at Waverly Oaks Marsh and elsewhere. A rather surprising record was one calling from the wet area at the end of Leitha Dr. in March 2007.
Records of Note
1 on 3/28/2007 at Leitha
Common Moorhen
Very rare Migrant.
Records of Note
1 on 11/23/1995 at Hardy Pond (M. Pelikan)
American Coot
Regular migrant and occasional winter visitor (yearly along Charles recently).
Records of Note
12 on 12/19/1999 at Hardy Pond
52 on 11/7/1997 (R. Stymeist)
123 on 10/29/1995 (D. Oliver)
Plovers
Killdeer (CB)
Regular spring-fall. Breeds at UMass Field Station and likely many other places.
Sandpipers
Greater Yellowlegs
Probably a regular fall migrant.
Records of Note
29 on 11/3/1997 (M. Rines)
3 on 2/20/2006? at over Prospect Hill (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
Lesser Yellowlegs
Probably a regular fall migrant.
Records of Note
1 on 8/17/2002 at Lyman Pond
Solitary Sandpiper
Regular migrant. Several records at Lyman Pond: one in May, one in late July, and one in August. One flyover in May as well. Found at Met State on 4/29/07.
Spotted Sandpiper (CB)
Regular spring and summer, into fall. Probably breeds at Lyman Pond and along the Charles (especially near the Watertown line). Maximum: 4 (Lyman Pond, 7/6/2003). Late date 11/3/1997 (M. Rines). Breeding confirmed by O. Plimpton at Umass Field Station 6/1998.
Semipalmated Sandpiper
Probably a regular but uncommon migrant.
Records of Note
6 on 8/18-9/5/2006 at Lyman Pond
Least Sandpiper
Probably a regular fall migrant.
Records of Note
6 on 7/25/2003 at Lyman Pond
1 on 8/27/2005 at Charles River
American Woodcock (PB)
Regular spring migrant, probable breeder at Lot 1 and Hobbs Brook (J. Hines).
Records of Note
5 on 4/18/2005 at Lot 1
1 on 10/13/2005 at Gore Estate (R. Stymeist)
1 on 10/6/2006 at Prospect Hill
Red Phalarope
Vagrant. Found as part of a major fallout in May 2005.
Records of Note
1 on 5/28/2005 at Cambridge Reservoir (J. Hines)
Gulls
Black-headed Gull
Vagrant. One record, a first winter bird along the Charles River (Prospect St.).
Records of Note
1 on 1/28-1/30/2000 at Charles River/Prospect St. (J. Michaels + v.o.)
Bonaparte’s Gull
Irregular visitor to the Cambridge Reservoir.
Records of Note
1 on 11/3/2002 at Cambridge Reservoir (M. Rines)
3 on 9/30/1999 at Cambridge Reservoir (M. Rines)
Ring-billed Gull
Common year-round just about anywhere.
Herring Gull
Common to very common year-round.
Iceland Gull
Rare winter visitor.
Records of Note
1 on 2/28/1994 (R. Forster)
1 on 1/27/2000 at Charles River? (M. Rines)
1 on 1/31/2007 at South St.
Great Black-backed Gull
Regular most of year, less common in summer. Can be found just about anywhere, although larger numbers are found on the Cambridge Reservoir.
Doves
Rock Pigeon (PB)
Extremely common.
Mourning Dove (CB)
Extremely common.
Cuckoos
Black-billed Cuckoo (PB)
One probable record from the Waverly Marsh. To be looked for there again.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (PB)
Rare but regular migrant, uncommon summer visitor, almost certainly breeding at the Paine Estate.
Records of Note
1 on 10/13/2005 at UMass Fields (R. Stymeist)
1 on 5/14/2004 at Prospect Hill neighborhood (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
1 on 6/12/2006 at Paine Estate
Owls
Eastern Screech-Owl (PB)
Probably regular year-round. Probably regular at least at Prospect Hill (R. Haaseth). Several other sites have them regularly (at least in winter) including Lyman Pond (where I found a pair sitting side-by-side on 2/28/2007).
Records of Note
1 on 6/17/2002 at Miriam Rd.
2 on 8/16/1994 (L. Taylor)
Great Horned Owl (CB)
Has nested at Mt. Feake Cemetery. Appears to be regular at Prospect Hill (R. Haaseth) and between the Paine Estate and High School. Met State breeding pair is over the Lexington line.
Records of Note
1 on 12/17/2006 at Paine Estate
Barred Owl
Formely rare visitor to the Paine Estate? (D. + D. Oliver)
Northern Saw-whet Owl
Rare migrant and winter visitor?
Records of Note
1 on winter 2005-2006 at Lexington Line (M. Rines+)
Nightjars
Common Nighthawk
Regular migrant, more in fall than spring. Possible summer resident. Personal maximum for one day: 97 (8/24/1997). Maximum: 200 (9/3/2002, A. Smith).
Swifts
Chimney Swift (PB)
Regular spring-fall. Early date 4/28, late date 9/22
Records of Note
300 on 9/3/2002 (A. Smith)
Hummingbirds
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (PB)
Probably a regular migrant and summer resident.
Records of Note
1 on 9/3/2005 at Paine Estate
1 on 7/1996 (L. Cocca)
1 on 8/27/2006 at Prospect Hill
Kingfishers
Belted Kingfisher (PB)
Fairly common year-round, found at most bodies of water. Less likely in winter, although still possible along the Charles.
Woodpeckers
Red-bellied Woodpecker (PB)
Probably resident year-round although not overly common.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Probably a regular migrant.
Records of Note
1 on 4/6/2001 (A. Smith)
2 on 10/4/1995 (C. Ralph)
1 on 9/25/1995 (M. Rines)
1 on 4/27/2004 at Prospect Hill Neighborhood (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
Downy Woodpecker (CB)
Very common.
Hairy Woodpecker (PB)
Regular year-round although less frequently encountered than other woodpeckers. Paine Estate and Prospect Hill appear to be most likely locations, although regular at Met State as well.
Northern Flicker (PB)
Common spring-fall, regular in winter.
Pileated Woodpecker (PB)
One possible personal record, although could be regular at Prospect Hill.
Records of Note
1 on 5/4/1997 at Cedarwood
2 on 3/10-4/15/2006 at Prospect Hill Neighborhood (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
Flycatchers
Eastern Wood-Pewee (PB)
Regular in summer at the Paine Estate and Prospect Hill. Probably a regular migrant elsewhere as well.
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher
Probably an uncommon but regular migrant.
Records of Note
1 on 8/29/1997 (M. Rines)
Alder Flycatcher
Probably an uncommon but regular migrant, possible summer resident.
Records of Note
1 on 5/24/2005 at Cambridge Reservoir (J. Hines)
Willow Flycatcher (PB)
Possibly regular in summer at Waverly Oaks Marsh. One record from end of Leitha Dr. makes me think it might be possible there as well although lack of other sightings question that.
Records of Note
1 on 6/17/2000 at Waverly Oaks Marsh
1 on 6/17/2005 at Leitha Dr.
Least Flycatcher
Probably regular migrant.
Records of Note
1 on 5/14/2003 at Charles River
1 on 5/17/2006 at Paine Estate
Eastern Phoebe (CB)
Common spring-fall. Young birds at Paine Esate imply breeding. Records 3/19 to 10/8 (and later just over the Lexington line in Lot 1).
Great Crested Flycatcher (PB)
Regular spring migrant and summer resident at Paine Estate, Prospect Hill, and probably elsewhere.
Eastern Kingbird (CB)
Common May-August. Early date: 5/7. Late date: 9/1.
Vireos
Blue-headed Vireo
Common spring and presumed fall migrant.
Warbling Vireo (CB)
Very common along the Charles in summer, probably regular elsewhere.
Philadelphia Vireo
Rare migrant.
Records of Note
1 on 6/21-27/1997 (C. Ralph)
Red-eyed Vireo (CB)
Common migrant and summer resident. Maximum: 6 (5/30/2005, Prospect Hill).
Corvids
Blue Jay (CB)
Very common year-round.
American Crow (PB)
Common year-round although West Nile has reduced numbers recently. Breeding all but certain.
Fish Crow (PB)
Fairly common along the Charles in winter, possible elsewhere and at other seasons. Maximum: 40 (12/25/2004, Charles River)
Common Raven (CB)
Apparently breeding at Prospect Hill. One bird heard calling on 5/2/2007, two birds seen on the radar tower at Big Prospect with what appears to be a nest on 5/12/2007. Up to 3 were seen reguarly througout May, after which they disappeared. In early 2008, I. Dukovski reported 3 regularly from the office park on Winter St.
Larks
Horned Lark
Rare visitor.
Records of Note
1 on winter 2005 at Charles River (J. Crooks)
Swallows
Tree Swallow (PB)
Regular spring-fall, from early April until at least August.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (CB)
Regular spring and summer resident. Breeding confirmed at the Newton St. Bridge over the Charles.
Bank Swallow
Probably a regular migrant. Most likely overlooked in large flocks of swallows in spring.
Records of Note
10 on 5/14/2003 at Hardy Pond
Cliff Swallow
Probably a rare spring migrant and very rare fall migrant.
Records of Note
4 on 5/27/2005 at Hardy Pond
5 on 5/10/1997 (D. Oliver)
2 on 5/20/1997 (M. Patridge)
2 on 5/24/2005 at Cambridge Reservoir (J. Hines)
Barn Swallow (CB)
Common from April until August. Breeds at UMass Field Station.
Chickadees and Titmice
Black-capped Chickadee (CB)
Very common year-round.
Tufted Titmouse (CB)
Very common year-round.
Nuthatches
Red-breasted Nuthatch (PB)
Probably a rare to regular migrant and winter visitor. Most likely found at the Paine Estate and Prospect Hill. A pair was observed several times at Prospect Hill in summer 2005.
White-breasted Nuthatch (CB)
Very common year-round. Breeding record: 1871 at the Lyman Estate (C.J. Maynard, see Bird Observer 32:2:103)
Creepers
Brown Creeper
Probably a regular winter resident and migrant. Christmas Count records from Prospect Hill imply regularity there (R. Haaseth and D. Finch). Maximum 3 (11/21/2006, Paine Estate)
Wrens
Carolina Wren (PB)
Fairly common year-round. Can be found almost anywhere. There’s too many around to not be breeding, but I have yet to find a nest.
House Wren (CB)
Regular in spring and summer. Possible almost anywhere. Young at Paine Estate imply breeding.
Winter Wren
Probably a rare but regular visitor, possible at all seasons?
Records of Note
2 on 5/14/1997 (M. Emmons)
1 on 2/6/2004 at Prospect Hill Neighborhood (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
1 on 10/2005 (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
1 on 11/25/2006 at Met State
Marsh Wren
Likely a regular migrant and possibly a breeder at Waverly Oaks Marsh.
Records of Note
1 on 4/20/2006 at Waverly Oaks Marsh (M. Rines)
Kinglets
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Probably regular migrant and winter resident. The Paine Estate and Prospect Hill seem likely for wintering birds.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Regular spring and fall migrant, occasional winter resident. Spring records 4/20-5/14, fall records in October and November, but probably much more common with more field time.
Records of Note
1 on 1/2/2006 at Charles River
Gnatcatchers
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Likely a regular migrant and unlikely summer resident.
Records of Note
1 on 4/17/2006 at Prospect Hill
Thrushes
Eastern Bluebird (PB)
Probably possible year-round. There are boxes at the Gore Estate and the pairs from Rock Meadow wander to the Met State property occasionally.
Veery
Probably a regular migrant. Prospect Hill needs to be checked for possible breeding.
Records of Note
2 on 9/10/1995 (L Taylor)
2 on 5/12/2007 at Prospect Hill
Swainson’s Thrush
Probably a fairly regular migrant.
Records of Note
1 on 5/28/2005 at yard
2 on 9/24/1998 (S. Perkins#)
1 on 5/15/2005 at Prospect Hill Neighborhood (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
Hermit Thrush (PB)
Regular migrant and common in summer at Prospect Hill and possibly the Paine Estate. Possible year-round
Wood Thrush
Migrant and possible summer resident. Several records from late May into mid-July.
American Robin (CB)
Common year-round. There has been what appears to be a roost at the Waltham/Lexington line.
Mimic Thrushes
Gray Catbird (CB)
Very common spring through fall and occasional in winter.
Northern Mockingbird (CB)
Common year-round although appears to have declined in the last year or two.
Brown Thrasher (PB)
Was regular in summer at Prospect Hill, although less seen each of the last few years. Has been found in migration at Beaver Brook Reservation and Met State.
Starlings
European Starling (CB)
Very common year-round. Of interest was a partial albino seen for a month in 1998.
Waxwings
Cedar Waxwing (PB)
Found year-round, although not always consistently. Maximum: 50 (Charles River, 3/14/2001).
Warblers
Blue-winged Warbler (PB)
Likely uncommon migrant, possible breeder. A singing bird was present for some time in mid to late June 2007 at Lot 1.
Tennessee Warbler
Rare migrant
Records of Note
1 on 5/16/2007 at Paine Estate
Orange-crowned Warbler
Probably rare but regular in fall and rare in spring.
Records of Note
1 on 10/13/2005 at UMass Fields (R. Stymeist)
Nashville Warbler
Regular spring and fall migrant.
Northern Parula
Regular spring and fall migrant.
Yellow Warbler (CB)
Very common along the Charles in summer, probably regular elsewhere at least in migration.
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Regular migrant, outside chance of breeding at Prospect Hill.
Magnolia Warbler
Regular migrant.
Cape May Warbler
Probably a rare but regular spring migrant.
Records of Note
2 on 5/15/1994 (L. Taylor)
1 on 5/28/05 at Prospect Hill Neighborhood (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Regular migrant.
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Common migrant. Maximum: 10 (5/7/2001, Charles River)
Records of Note
1 on 1/4/2007 at Charles River
Black-throated Green Warbler (PB)
Regular migrant and summer resident. Likely to breed at Prospect Hill.
Blackburnian Warbler
Probably a rare but regular migrant.
Records of Note
1 on 5/12/2004 at Prospect Hill Neighborhood (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
1 on 5/9/2005 at Prospect Hill Neighborhood (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
Pine Warbler (PB)
Regular migrant and summer resident at the Paine Estate and Prospect Hill.
Records of Note
1 on 3/31/2006 at Paine Estate
Prairie Warbler
Probably a regular migrant, outside chance of breeding.
Records of Note
1 on 9/13/1997 (R. Stymeist#)
Palm Warbler
Fairly common migrant in spring and fall.
Bay-breasted Warbler
Rare but regular migrant.
Records of Note
1 on 5/16/2002 at yard
1 on 5/10/2004 at Prospect Hill Neighborhood (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
Blackpoll Warbler
Fairly common migrant.
Black-and-white Warbler
Fairly common migrant.
American Redstart
Common migrant.
Worm-eating Warbler
Rare spring migrant/visitor.
Records of Note
1 on 5/21/2007 at Fernald (A. Smith)
Ovenbird (PB)
Regular migrant, probably breeds at either Paine Estate or Prospect Hill.
Northern Waterthrush
Probably a fairly regular migrant in spring and possibly fall.
Records of Note
1 on 4/29/1998 (C. Ralph)
Connecticut Warbler
Rare although probably regular fall migrant.
Records of Note
1 on 9/24/1997 (R. Stymeist)
1 on 9/23/2002 (A. Smith)
Mourning Warbler
Rare but regular migrnat.
Records of Note
1 on 8/29/1997 (M. Rines)
Common Yellowthroat (PB)
Common spring-fall along the Charles and elsewhere. Need to dig up a nest.
Hooded Warbler
Very rare spring migrant.
Records of Note
1 on 5/15/1997 (L. Gretz)
Wilson’s Warbler
Probably a regular migrant.
Canada Warbler
Probably a regular migrant.
Records of Note
3 on 8/16/1994 (L. Taylor)
1 on 5/24/2005 (J. Hines)
1 on 5/12/2004 at Prospect Hill Neighborhood (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
1 on 5/12/2007 at Prospect Hill
Yellow-breasted Chat
Rare migrant and visitor.
Records of Note
1 on 11/11/2000 (M. Rines)
1 on 11/4/2007 at Cambridge Res (Verizon) (M. Rines)
Tanagers
Scarlet Tanager (CB)
Regular migrant and summer resident. Has been seen feeding young at Prospect Hill and Met State. Also has been heard in summer at the Paine Estate.
Sparrows
Eastern Towhee (PB)
Regular in migration, and uncommon in summer at Prospect Hill.
American Tree Sparrow
Regular winter visitor. Records from 11/7 to 3/25.
Chipping Sparrow (CB)
Common spring-fall.
Records of Note
1 on 12/18/2005 at Prospect Hill Neighborhood (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
Field Sparrow
Assumed to be a regular migrant although yet to be seen with any regularity. Prospect Hill seems to have appropriate breeding habitat.
Records of Note
1 on 10/16/2005 at Hardy Pond
1 on 11/1/2006 at UMass Field Station
Savannah Sparrow
Fairly common migrant. Maximum: 20 (5/17/2001, Gore Estate)
Fox Sparrow
Uncommon but regular migrant.
Song Sparrow (PB)
Common year-round. Need to find a nest or young.
Lincoln’s Sparrow
Rare spring and uncommon fall migrant.
Swamp Sparrow (PB)
Probably regular spring-fall, possible in winter. May breed at Waverly Oaks Marsh and Met State.
White-throated Sparrow
Common fall-spring. Date range: 9/25 – 5/16
White-crowned Sparrow
Uncommon migrant. All records from May but expected in fall as well.
Dark-eyed Junco
Common migrant and winter resident. At least one bird summered at Prospect Hill in 2007. Otherwise, extreme dates 9/18 (R. Stymeist) – 4/16.
Snow Bunting
Very rare migrant/winter visitor.
Records of Note
2 on 12/23/2007 at UMass Fields
1 on Winter 1995? at UMass Fields (O. Plimpton)
Grosbeaks
Northern Cardinal (CB)
Common year-round.
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (CB)
Regular migrant and breeder at Met State, Prospect Hill and elsewhere.
Indigo Bunting (PB)
Regular migrant and common summer resident at the Paine Estate and Prospect Hill.
Dickcissel
Rare migrant but possibly regular.
Records of Note
1 on 10/13/2005 at UMass Fields (R. Stymeist)
Blackbirds
Bobolink
Rare migrant, altough potentially regular in fall. Has been found in May at several locations that seem quite unusual.
Records of Note
1 on 5/17/2001 at Gore Estate
1 on 5/14/2003 at Charles River
7 on 5/18/2005 at Beaver Brook
6 on 9/8/2006 at UMass Field Station
Red-winged Blackbird (PB)
Common spring-fall. Average arrival around February 20, departure early November?
Records of Note
1 on 12/17/2006 at Charles River
Eastern Meadowlark (CB)
Now a rare migrant, although presumably was a regular breeder at farm fields (confirmed in BBA1).
Records of Note
1 on 9/27/2007 at UMass Field Station
Rusty Blackbird
Probably a fairly regular migrant although has not been reported often.
Records of Note
1 on 12/29/2004 at Leitha Dr
Common Grackle (CB)
Common spring-fall, occasional into winter.
Brown-headed Cowbird (CB)
Common spring-fall although in lesser numbers than Red-wings and Grackles.
Orchard Oriole (PB)
Uncommon migrant and summer resident.
Records of Note
7 on 6/7/1996 (C. Ralph)
1 on 5/9/2005 (A. Smith/S. Shepard)
2 on 5/24/2005 at Cambridge Reservoir (J. Hines)
Baltimore Oriole (CB)
Common spring and summer resident, abundant (maximum 15) along the Charles River in summer.
Finches
Purple Finch
Regular winter visitor and migrant.
House Finch (CB)
Very common year-round.
Common Redpoll
Irregular winter visitor. Besides records below, know of records from D. Oliver and M. Rines.
Records of Note
1 on 11/4/1995 (R. Forster)
1 on 12/12/03 at Prospect Hill Neighborhood (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
1 on 12/4/2005 at Prospect Hill Neighborhood (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
Pine Siskin
Irregular winter visitor. Listed as a breeder in BBA1, although I don’t know whether the site was in Waltham or not.
Records of Note
4 on 11/9-10/2004 at yard
1 on 11/13/2004 at Prospect Hill Neighborhood (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
American Goldfinch (CB)
Very common year-round.
Evening Grosbeak
Irregular winter visitor and very irregular at other seasons.
Records of Note
1 on 11/8/1995 (C. Ralph)
10 on 10/30/1995 (T. Browne)
8 on 8/16/2005 at Prospect Hill Neighborhood (R. Haaseth/D. Finch)
House Sparrows
House Sparrow (CB)
Very common year-round.
Historical Records
The following birds are known from historical records only. It is likely that they can still be found in Waltham.
Black Vulture (1905 Specimen from J. H. Storer, Jr. (Auk: Vol. 23, No. 2, April-June, 1906))
Boreal Chickadee (coming soon)
Louisiana Waterthrush (coming soon)
Hypothetical Records
The following birds are likely to occur in Waltham but have not been documented at the moment.
4/11: Long overdue update coming, birds in bold below have now been confirmed.
Red-throated Loon (similar birds are regular, somewhat regular migrant to other lakes/ponds nearby)
Greater White-fronted Goose (fairly regular in the general region)
Brant (vague recollections of Cambridge Reservoir records)
Blue-winged Teal (common migrant)
Barrow's Goldeneye (irregular migrant)
Red-shouldered Hawk (regular nearby)
Rough-legged Hawk (occasional nearby)
Sora (Waverly Oaks Marsh)
Semipalmated Plover (fairly regular nearby in migration)
Wilson's Snipe (regular migrant nearby)
Glaucous Gull (recall winter records)
Long-eared Owl (regular nearby, possibly formerly regular)
Whip-poor-will (possible in migration)
Olive-sided Flycatcher (regular migrant)
Acadian Flycatcher (regular migrant)
Purple Martin (regular migrant)
American Pipit (occasional nearby)
Bohemian Waxwing (can irrupt anywhere)
Gray-cheeked Thrush (regular migrant)
Bicknell's Thrush (regular migrant)
Northern Shrike (occasional nearby in winter)
White-eyed Vireo (regular migrant)
Yellow-throated Vireo (regular migrant)
Golden-winged Warbler (regular migrant)
Yellow-throated Warbler (occasional migrant)
Cerulean Warbler (regular migrant)
Prothonotary Warbler (regular migrant)
Summer Tanager (somewhat regular spring visitor nearby)
Clay-colored Sparrow (regular migrant)
Vesper Sparrow (regular migrant)
Eastern Meadowlark (regular migrant)
Pine Grosbeak (irruptive species)
Red Crossbill (irruptive species)
White-winged Crossbill (irruptive species)
Hoary Redpoll (irruptive species)
If you have any additional records, please contact me.